4 Types of Coffee Women Should Avoid During Their Period — They’re Not Comfort Drinks, They Make Things Worse!

 

The Myth of the “Comfort Cup”

My best friend has been complaining about cramps all week, yet she still insists on sipping her daily hot latte. This morning, I finally stepped in — swapped her coffee for a cup of jujube tea — and she just stared at me like I’d committed a crime.

Sound familiar? Many women do the same — feeling uncomfortable during their period, yet clinging to that warm coffee cup as a source of comfort.
But here’s the truth: some coffees can actually make your period pain worse.

So… can you drink coffee during your period?

Can You Drink Coffee During Menstruation?

Whenever this question comes up, people are split. Some say “absolutely not,” while others say “it’s fine.”
The truth lies in the middle — it depends how you drink and what kind of coffee you choose.

A doctor friend explained it to me this way:

  • Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can tighten uterine muscles and worsen cramps.

  • Its diuretic effect makes you lose more fluids and minerals, which your body already needs during menstruation.

  • It interferes with iron absorption, which isn’t great when you’re losing blood.

But don’t panic — not every coffee is off-limits. Let’s go over the four types of coffee you should definitely avoid during your period.

1. Espresso and Americano — Too Much Caffeine

These rank first for a reason: they’re too concentrated.
A small shot of espresso contains a powerful dose of caffeine that overstimulates your nervous system, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue.


I used to believe that a hot Americano would fight off period tiredness. But every time I had one, I felt even more drained — and the cramps hit harder later on.
That’s because caffeine creates a false sense of energy, and when the effect fades, your exhaustion doubles.

2. Iced Coffee and Cold Brew — Double the Chill, Double the Pain

Cold drinks are a big no-no during menstruation. The sudden chill can make pelvic blood vessels contract, blocking blood flow and worsening cramps.

Cold brew coffee, in particular, contains more caffeine due to its slow extraction process. So it’s not just cold — it’s extra potent.
If you can’t resist it, let it warm to room temperature first or go for a low-caffeine version.

3. Flavored Lattes — Sugar Bombs in Disguise

Your favorite hazelnut latte or caramel macchiato might taste heavenly, but they’re packed with sugar syrup.
During your period, hormone fluctuations already mess with your blood sugar. Adding a sugar overload causes sharp spikes and crashes — leaving you tired, moody, and bloated.

Plus, excess sugar worsens inflammation, which can make cramps more painful.
So yes, your “sweet comfort drink” might actually be fueling your discomfort.

4. Cheap Instant Coffee — The Hidden Enemy

This one’s the sneakiest. Many instant coffees are full of added creamers and sugar, and some use Robusta beans, which have almost twice the caffeine of Arabica.

A doctor friend told me she’s seen many women’s cramps ease dramatically once they stopped drinking instant coffee.
It’s simple — good-quality coffee in moderation is fine, but cheap instant blends are loaded with ingredients your body doesn’t need — especially during your period.

So… Is All Coffee Off-Limits During Your Period?

Not necessarily! If you can’t live without coffee, here are some tips to drink smarter:

  • ☕ Choose low-caffeine or decaf coffee to enjoy the flavor without the stress.

  • 🥛 Opt for more milk, less coffee — like a half-shot latte.

  • 🍽️ Always drink coffee after meals, not on an empty stomach.

  • 📉 Cut your intake in half during your period.

  • 🌿 Use freshly ground Arabica beans for a cleaner, gentler cup.

And most importantly — sip slowly, don’t gulp it down.

Listen to Your Body

Every woman’s body reacts differently to caffeine. The key is to listen. If you feel worse after drinking coffee, it’s a sign to pause and switch to something gentler.

During these few special days, try these warm, comforting alternatives instead:

  • Jujube and goji berry tea

  • Ginger brown sugar water

  • Warm soy milk

  • Lemon honey water

They’ll keep you cozy, balanced, and energized — without the unwanted side effects.

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